Background of the book
In to the Wild is one of the most famous nonfiction books of its time. Written by Jon Krakauer in 1996, it has a controversial reputation as a biographical novel whose veracity is in doubt. The book tells the story of Chris McCandless, who left a wealthy family and rejected all material values.
The story of Supertramp
Christopher donated his entire fortune to charity, choosing himself the hardships of a vagrant life. Traveling through the United States and Mexico, McCandless finally found himself in Alaska, where he settled in an old bus in the town of Fairbanks. The vagabond constantly constrained himself in food and, as a result, died of exhaustion.
Krakauer’s travel
Krakauer, inspired by the deeds done by Christopher, repeated his travels, following his steps in accordance with the diary notes left by the deceased.
Supertramp’s Diary
McCandless, who took the name Alexander Supertramp, met and communicated with many people throughout the journey. His diary entries, however, were not detailed enough, and sometimes rather austere, with notes of poetic naivety: “Beautiful Blue Berries“ (2011).
Krakauer’s interpretation
In interpreting the fate of the Supertramp, Krakauer gave it the philosophical meaning inherent in the work of the American transcendentalists and romanticized his choice. Krakauer stated that a person needs to “make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing“ (1996).
Risks taken by authors
This pursuit of the unknown and pure experience characterizes Krakauer’s activities as well as the Supertramp. Christopher risked his entire life and wealth in order to face the unknown and the present. The risks of the author of “Into the Wild” were in the fact that he tried to restore the path of the Supertramp in order to comprehend it philosophically.
Other characters in “Into the Wild: Conclusion”
Krakauer tells the stories of other young people who disappeared into the desert, such as a 20-year-old artist from Utah. To give a different perspective to him romanticizing Supertramp’s image, he also describes the grief and bewilderment of Christopher’s parents. Thus, Krakauer’s poeticization of McCandless’s choice is highly interesting yet controversial.
Works Cited
Christopher McCandless Bio. (2011). Web.
Krakauer, J. (1996). Into the wild. Villard Books.